Google Glass patent reveals features

Transparent display included.

A patent document has revealed the features and specs likely to be contained within Google's wearable computer device Glass project.

The device features a see-through lens that doubles as a display and a camera on the arm.

It will include a touch pad for control purposes, as well as voice controls, allowing users to, for example, say a name out loud to access a phone book contact.

It is capable of recognising a command to start a users' car engine, and open the satnav app automatically. Speech commands can also open apps and play videos, while the device can also convert spoken words to text or translate sentences.

The patent also mentions that the camera will be able to track the user’s hand, allowing it to “touch” virtual controls via coloured dots in the heads-up display: essentially, you’ll be able to interact with a UI that sits right in front of your face.

The system uses individual skin tone and hand shape recognition to ensure only one user's commands are followed.

The patent talks of wireless communication between the Google Glass and “a remote device or communication network” – potentially meaning a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth link between the glasses and a users' phone or tablet, or direct connection to a 3G or 4G network.

This article originally appeared at Stuff.tv